People who exercise have a lower risk of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and depression, new research indicates.
But it’s not just cardio exercises like dancing or running that benefit your brain. Weightlifting also deserves more attention, researchers say.
Recent studies reveal that resistance training significantly boosts brain health, particularly in older adults. Weightlifting has been shown to improve brain function and slow cognitive decline, and it may help alleviate symptoms of depression, according to a report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Weightlifting offers numerous health benefits that no single medication can match. Resistance training (also known as muscle-strengthening exercises) is inversely related to medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
One of the ways weight training benefits the brain is by improving its ability to access and process glucose. Individuals with metabolic disorders are at a higher risk for dementia and depression. For example, those with Type 2 diabetes are 77% more likely to experience depression compared to individuals with normal blood sugar levels.
Long-term unstable blood sugar levels are associated with inflammation, which can damage the brain. These fluctuations are linked to insulin resistance, making it difficult for brain cells to obtain the energy they need.
Engaging in a session of resistance training can decrease blood glucose and insulin levels for up to 24 hours. It also lowers three-month blood sugar measurements (HbA1c) in individuals at risk of developing diabetes and increases insulin sensitivity in older adults, according to the Journal of Exercise Science and Fitness.
The function of the immune system is a major focus in current health research, especially regarding chronic inflammation, which is a significant driver of disease. Weight training has been found to have a beneficial relationship with the immune system.
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